Why It Matters: While many of us at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) will be spending the fall chasing pheasants, sitting in deer stands, or calling ducks, there is still plenty of time to cast a line. With air temperatures across the Great Plains cooling and lake water temperatures dropping, anglers should take advantage of open water and often less-crowded lakes and rivers. Cooler water temperatures also create excellent opportunities to target species that thrive in these conditions, including trout and muskie.
Highlights:
- Throughout the Great Plains Region, many state fish and wildlife agencies are stocking lakes, streams, and rivers with trout.
- In Nebraska, the paddlefish snagging season opens October 1, and trout will be stocked in certain bodies of water throughout the fall.
- Anglers may have to change their approach as the colder water may change fish behavior.
Fall provides sportsmen and women with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy our time-honored traditions. While many hunting seasons will be opening soon, fall is also an excellent time for anglers to get out on lakes and rivers before winter arrives. Cooler fall water temperatures can create ideal conditions for targeting cold-water species, including trout, walleye, pike, or muskie.
In Nebraska, Game and Parks (NGPC) will be stocking rainbow trout throughout the state in certain bodies of water. NGPC fish hatcheries will be releasing 12-inch trout to enhance Nebraskans’ trout fishing opportunities. The stocking efforts began the week of September 21 and will run through the week of October 26. Additionally, the paddlefish snagging season will open on October 1 on the Missouri River. If anglers are targeting paddlefish, they should be aware of the regulations around paddlefish snagging. Some key regulations in the Cornhusker state are: only one hook can be used, paddlefish between 34 and 45 inches must be released immediately, and the daily bag and possession limits equal the number of tags issued to an angler. Additionally, bowfishing and spearfishing are now allowed methods of take for chinook salmon. North Dakota anglers may use these methods September 25th through the end of October.
With the 2027 legislative session on the horizon, CSF will continue to work with members of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses to promote and protect our time-honored outdoor traditions by advocating for sound, science-based legislation that creates outdoor opportunities. Additionally, CSF remains engaged on regulatory proposals that stand to impact anglers’ experiences while on the water. Regardless of your state or favorite species to target, staying apprised of any changes can offer new opportunities for even the most seasoned sportsman or woman.